February 22, 2010

Spinning More Than Yarn

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Julie Sarton

It used to be that the image brought to mind by the word “spinning” was one of a benevolent, elderly woman sitting quietly in front of a wooden wheel, transforming wool into yarn for warm sweaters and toasty mittens. These days the image brought to mind by that same word is anything but quiet or benevolent! The modern exercise/sport known as spinning is tough, high energy, and challenging, quickly elevating your heart rhythm and sustaining it for an hour. The wooden wheel is replaced by a metal wheel on a stationary, high-tech bike where everything is adjustable, from the seat height to the resistance on the wheel.

Spin is usually offered as a class, with 10-15 bikes in a room and an instructor up front, riding with you to set the pace and keep you motivated. Once you adjust your bike and locate your water bottle and towel within reach, the instructor will turn down the lights, turn up the music, and lead you in some stretching exercises while you begin your continuous 60 minutes of cycling. As your muscles and heart warm up, the pace will be quickened by faster music while the instructor yells commands such as “pick it up!” and “up out of your seats!” With every clock-wise turn of the resistance knob on the bike the pedals turn harder and slower, resembling a climb up hill; the instructor designs the rhythm of the music and the change in pedal resistance to resemble the variations in a real bike ride…sometimes standing on slowly turning pedals while pumping up a hill, and sometimes sitting while pedaling fast on a downhill run or a flat. As the class progresses you’re brought to your personal peak of exertion and cardiac capability, with the frequent, dreaded mantra from the instructor in the air of “one more turn to the right!” When you think you can’t pedal for another minute, the pace begins to slowly and mercifully decrease to the final ‘cool down’ phase and the final stretching. You’ve made it through another spin class!

As relentless and challenging as spinning can be, it’s also addictive. The increased energy it brings to your daily life is exhilarating, the noticeable muscle toning is impressive, and you will sleep better than you have for a long time. Since you can set your own pace by deciding on your pedal speed and resistance levels, you don’t always have to push yourself to 100%, but can set realistic goals based on your own physical prowess and condition. Check for available spin classes at fitness centers and your local YMCA; the Lake Geneva YMCA and several lakes area fitness centers offer flexible sessions from early morning to evening to fit your schedule. If you feel that your health is spinning out of control, it may be time to start spinning it into control.

Posted by:Julie Sarton



February 04, 2010

Winterfest Lake Geneva, WI

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Shirley Coulman

Are you having the Winter Blues?!? Come to Lake Geneva, WI to enjoy a week-end of activities of fun at Winterfest. Since 1996, Lake Geneva has been home to U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championships. The 2010 Lake Geneva Winterfest begins:

Wednesday thru Friday February 3-5 with teams at work sculpting at Riviera Park. Come at watch the sculptors create there master pieces.

       

Saturday February 6

Riviera Park:
11am Sculpting ends.
11am - 2 pm “People Choice Award” voting. Ballots in Winterfest Program Book. Ballot box onsite.

Riviera Ballroom:
10am - 4 pm Entertainment, food, fun and refreshments. Raffle tickets for Midwest Airlines available.
11 am - 1 pm The WOZ - Music and Magic
12 pm - 2 pm Tom Stanfield Sing-a-longs.
3 pm U.S. National Snow Sculpting Award Presentation.

Riviera Lakefront:
10am - 4pm Childrens Sculpting, Wagon Rides, Helicopter Rides and Hot Air Balloon Rides.

Grand Geneva, Lake Geneva, WI annual “The Mountain Top”
(Located 2 miles east of downtown Lake Geneva on Highway 50)

Saturday 10am - 8pm Ski School and Ski Patrol Demonstrations, Snow Boarding and Skiing Competitions with Children’s Games and Snow Activities. Ending with a Torch Light Parade and FIREWORKS.

       

Sunday February 7

All day viewing.

Riviera Ballroom:
10am - 3pm Entertainment, food, fun and refreshments. Raffle tickets for Midwest Airlines available.
11am - 1 pm Just Pickin Bank
12pm - 2 pm Ground Speed Blue Grass Band

Winterfest in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is the place to be!!

Posted by:Shirley Coulman



February 03, 2010

Lily Lake and Off Road ICE Motor Cross Riding

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Mary Petersen

Some people like to ice fish and Lily Lake has a bountiful feast below its cold waters, but this crowd took to the ice on their off road motor bikes. It was thrilling to watch! They are the true dare-devils. Lily Lake is an eighty seven acre spring fed lake surrounded by a mature landscape. This area has an old fashion resort and tavern. Chicago visitors can escape to this resort with very little travel time. While locals congregate at the tavern to tell their stories and have a quick snack. This hidden treasure is only 15 minutes east of Lake Geneva, WI.

       


Posted by:Mary Petersen



February 01, 2010

Ice Fishing in Twin Lakes Wisconsin

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Mary Petersen

East of Lake Geneva Wisconsin there are two beautiful pristine spring feed lakes. The first is Lake Mary around 315 acres and Lake Elizabeth is 638 acres. There is a crowd every weekend of dedicated ice fisherman and snowmobilers.

Try your luck and be sure to dress warm. After a day on the ice walk over to Mad Dan’s for cocktails and a fabulous steak dinner.

Take Highway 50 from I-94 and travel west past Paddock Lake. Turn south onto highway 0.


 


Posted by:Mary Petersen



January 27, 2010

The Sailing Lifestyle in Lake Geneva

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Michalene Melges

Sailing, Power boating, Water Lovers………We all gravitate towards what we love and end up following one another either by choice or by chance. Winters in Florida spent with the Sailing, Fishing and the Vistas.. The Summers spent in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin doing the same. The perfect home and the perfect view are global. Sharing common interests and the passion to be around what we love ends up connecting the same of groups of people in the same spots around the world for lifelong friendships and great real estate opportunities to enjoy. Not to mention a great tan and a trophy or two.

Posted By: Michalene Melges



January 21, 2010

Abbey Springs in Fontana, WI

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Shirley Coulman

If you are looking for a great get away, you will find it at Abbey Springs in Fontana WI. There are several condo/townhouse floor plans ranging from The Weekender that is 600 square feet to the Oakwood with a lower level that has 2,300 square feet.

The Holiday Unit is a great size at 800 square feet with a great floor plan. It has a kitchen, living/dining area with two bedrooms and one bath. While at Abbey Springs you can go down to lake front that is on Geneva Lake, visit the clubhouse that has an indoor/outdoor pools, game room, exercise facilities, tennis courts, racquet ball court, 18 hole golf course and boating. Plus they have the Golfer’s Grill, snack bar, Below Deck and The Yacht Club for your dining needs.



If you have any questions or would like to see Abbey Springs in Fontana WI I can be reached at 262-745-1885 or scoulman@keeferealestate.com.

Posted by:Shirley Coulman



January 20, 2010

Lake Geneva Ice Boating - Wordless Wednesday

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Theresa Larsen, Wordless Wednesday

Photo courtesy of Jen Bronenkant


Posted by:Theresa Larsen



January 06, 2010

FORE! New golf membership options at Wisconsin’s Geneva National

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Geneva National, Julie Sarton

One of the most beautiful golf courses I’ve ever played on is right in my back yard at Geneva National, a gated golf community just 10 minutes west of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Offering three signature 18-hole courses, the topography ranges from hilly to fairly level, lushly wooded to open and expansive, with a number of fairways meandering along the water’s edge of Lake Como. The spacious club house has great lake views, with a private members’ side and a public side, both of which offer dining. Until now play options were:

1) Play as public walk on, using public clubhouse facilities
2) Play under a $3000 social membership granting 12 rounds over a two year period, with full use of private clubhouse facilities
3) Play under a full, refundable $25,000 membership, with unlimited rounds and full use of private clubhouse facilities

New membership options for 2010 are:

1) A full, non-refundable $12,500 membership, with unlimited rounds and full use of private clubhouse facilities
2) A $2000 sport membership, granting 8 annual unrestricted rounds and 4 twilight rounds
3) A $1000 social membership with play at resort (public) rates

Other benefits of membership include use of the adjacent wellness center and participation in all club social activities. For more information on the golf program contact Katie Alder, Membership Director, 262-245-7049.

The only thing better than golf at Geneva National is golf at Geneva National while staying at your own condo, townhome, or single family home right on the property. To receive information on current listings, contact me at jsarton@keeferealestate.com or visit my website. Only 1.5 hours from Chicago and 10 minutes from the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva!

Posted by:Julie Sarton



December 28, 2009

Best Places for Breakfast In and Around Lake Geneva

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Janis Hartley

The Christmas holidays are a great time to explore the best places to snag a true Wisconsin breakfast. Nothing like the full board to warm you up on a cold, winter’s morning! Below are a few of my favorites – feel free to add your own by commenting on this blog. I’d love to discover something new:

  • Egg Harbor Café, Downtown Lake Geneva – this well-known, North Shore restaurant packs both locals and visitors from Illinois. I love their bottomless cups of steaming coffee, the Veggie-White Dynamite omelet, and their unbelievable Pumpkin Pancakes that are available in the Fall. Good service and a staff with sunny dispositions make this egg-actly what you need first thing in the morning.

  • Daddy Maxwells, Hwy 67 Williams Bay – This spot is unbeatable in terms of hearty breakfasts (their French batter pancakes are “to die for”), friendly locals, and more choices in omelet’s than you can shake a pan at! Go early, especially in summer.

  • Millie’s, Hwy O in Delavan – Long a favorite with out-of-towners, my husband and I stopped going here because the waits were interminable; however, if you love Swedish pancakes or are celebrating a special day, this is definitely worth a visit. The adjoining shops are a delight – and it’s a good way to amuse the little ones while you wait for your table to clear.

  • Simple, Broad Street, Lake Geneva – The newest member of the “Broken Egg Brigade,” Simple is an extraordinary restaurant. Owners Tom and Lori Hartz have committed themselves and their restaurant to serving locally raised and produced food from sustainable sources. Try the Designer Omelet with mashed potatoes, artichokes, asparagus and Gruyere – it will make you weep with joy! Open for breakfast and lunch only…visit soon as the word is already out that this is the place for breakfast.

Posted by:Janis Hartley



December 14, 2009

Holiday bliss in the Geneva Lakes Area

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Rentals, Sharon Clark

The holidays have arrived in Lake Geneva!! Saturdays in December mark my favorite events in picturesque downtown Lake Geneva. From 11:00 am until 2:00 pm Santa, his live Reindeer and Elves will be visiting Starbucks, where you can pick up some delicious holiday drinks such as hot chocolate, gingerbread lattes and peppermint mochas. There are many shops to visit downtown after seeing Santa and his Reindeer. Lake Geneva is full of Christmas treasures and gifts. Finish your last minute shopping here!! Don’t forget that Delavan has the wonderful holiday “Dancing Horses” shows, now performing every Saturday, Sunday, & Wednesday, Nov. 15th to Jan. 3rd. Take a look at their website for show times. It is an event to see!!

Starting in January, a candle lit trail features great scenery for evening hiking, snow-shoeing and skiing with family and friends. You can view the different trails at the Kettle Moraine State Park Website for details. Be sure to take a drive around to see the area Christmas lights as well. Lake Geneva is a great place to spend the winter season with its holiday happenings and snow covered countryside. If you are not from the area and want to spend a long weekend in Lake Geneva, consider Keefe Resort Rentals for all of your vacation rental needs: www.keeferentals.com. Call for a customized rental search today at (262) 248-1735. Shopping and local skiing also awaits you!

Posted By: Sharon Clark



November 19, 2009

Sharon's Annual Victorian Christmas Evening

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Julie Sarton

One of my favorite, most anticipated annual holiday events each year is the Victorian Christmas Evening in charming Sharon, Wisconsin. It’s like stepping into a Charles Dickens novel, with the historic downtown area alive with lights, chestnuts roasting, carolers singing, dancers in the streets, food aplenty, warm drinks, Christmas music, and decorated vintage horse and buggies. Most of the local residents and merchants are decked out in authentic Victorian regalia, amongst whom can be found the Town Bum and the Town Crier, with Santa making his appearance later. The seductive aroma of wassail, hot chocolate, spiced cider and rum toddies drifts out of the local shops, restaurants, and bars, while many are enticed by Christmas sweets, roasted nuts, kettle corn, fried bread and hot soups. The sounds of traditional carols can be heard as the village Christmas tree is ceremoniously lighted, while others explore the local shops.

The highlight of the evening is the carriage parade. The vintage, historic carriages are decorated with hundreds of tiny lights and are pulled by horses ranging from ponies to large Clydesdales, with costumed drivers in colorful Victorian attire. Every year its quiet beauty takes my breath away. So dress warm and step back into history for a delightful evening with friends and family. Starting at 5:00 PM on Friday, December 4 (2009), you can get directions and more information by calling the Sharon Main St Association at 262-736-6246, or visiting their web site . Tis’ the season!

Posted by:Julie Sarton



October 29, 2009

More Halloween Fun in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti

Are you a fan of live theatre? Check out Pelajia Productions’ New York Cast in The Rocky Horror Picture Show this Friday and Saturday at the Geneva Theater, 244 Broad Street, Lake Geneva. A free audience participation kit is included and guests are invited to come in costume. For more information, click here or call 262-248-0331.

Like a little food with your scare? Attend “Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe” at Old World Wisconsin, also Friday and Saturday. Performances begin with dinner after which guests are led to an authentic 1800’s performance venue to enjoy four of Poe’s best loved tales. Reservations are required. For more information visit www.oldworldwisconsin.org or call 262-594-6301.

Posted By: Janet Giovannetti



October 28, 2009

Geneva Lake Museum Costume Parade in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti

Looking for one more fun activity for the kids this Halloween? Let the kids show off their costumes this Saturday, October 31 in the Costume Parade down Main Street Lake Geneva, beginning at 12:30pm. Before the parade, you may want to stop into the Geneva Lake Museum of History. Children 11 and younger, when accompanied by an adult, will be admitted free into the museum. If you haven’t had a chance to stop in, this is a great opportunity. Of course, it’s always fun to stroll the streets of Lake Geneva and stop into the boutiques, galleries and eateries. The weather looks great for Saturday. Come and enjoy the last of the fall colors!

Check www.lakegenevawi.com for more information on fun activities in the Geneva Lake area.

Posted By: Janet Giovannetti



October 26, 2009

U S Mail Boat on Lake Geneva

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Shirley Coulman

On Tuesday October 27 the Lake Geneva U S Mail Boat will air on “Bizarre World” with Andrew Zimmerman. The Walworth II is the mailboat that delivers the mail from mid June to mid September to approximately 60 lakefront homes around the Lake.

During the 2 1/2 hour cruise around the lake you will see the mailboat jumper; jump on the pier, deliver the mail, take the out going mail and jump back on the boat while moving. There were a couple times when I did not think the mail jumper was going to make it back to the boat in time.


The captain and the mail jumper take turns narrating the history of the lake. They will bring you back in time when the estates were Jereyhurst, Loramoor, Maple Lawn, Snug Harbor, Butternuts, Snug Harbor and many more. Or little tidbits of information like; in 1874 The Elgin Club was purchased for $400 which included 16 acres with 1,450 feet of frontage. Or that Stone Manor was built in 1900-1901 for $2,000,000. In 1968 it was purchased for back taxes of $75,000.

Make sure to watch Bizarre World on October 27th and see the mansion on Lake Geneva.

Posted by:Shirley Coulman



October 23, 2009

Trick or Treat

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Mary Petersen

Salem Wisconsin – Trick or Treat

Halloween is near and there are lots of goodies this year. The best candy can be found in the Center Lake area. Every year for the last 10 years Salem has faithfully held trick or treat on Halloween Night.

Join us on October 31, 2009 from 4-7pm.

Posted by:Mary Petersen